The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-08
THE ELDER GARRETT AND "BoB."
A Memorable Visit of the yanderbiIts AM
Col Scott to Baltimore Recalled.

A Memorable Visit of the yanderbilts and
Col Scott to Baltimore Recalled
Baltimore special
The recent Baltimore & Ohio deal recalls an
incident connected with the management Of the
railroad when John W. Garrett was its pres-
dent. which illustrates forcbly the desire of the
elder Garrett to hold the corporation clear of all
entangiing alliances with its big railway rivals,
and also his ability to graphic with the situation,
and hold his own IN dealing with the biggest
railway magnates of the country. It was after
one OF the big freight wars a dozen years
ago that the b. 81 O. had been cutting into its
big rivals business, and it very desirable
for all concerned that that there should be peace.
Repeated overtures had been made to Mr. Gar
rett for compromise. and he was anxious that
IL should be made, but he wanted it made IN his
own way, and as nearly as possible On his own
terms. Where the conference should be held
was matter of considerable importance. If
Mr.. Garrett went to New York, where he had
been invited to go. 1t would have indicated an
anxiety for settlement his part-at least
he thought so-for compromise. and though
anxious for the war TO end he declined to go.
de. however, extended invitations to the trunk
line Presidents to come to this city and this
they finally did. Thus one point was scored for
the b. q q. A special train from New York,
which were Commodore Vanderbilt, then presi-
dent of the New York Central road his son, the
late William Fl. Vanderbilt; the late Thomas A.
Scott then president of the Pennsylvania road,
and others steamed into Union Station
bright spring morning. Carriages were in wait
ing and the distinguished parties were driven to
the MOUNT vernon HOTEL, W0er0 Mr Jarrett
smilingly greeted them as they entered a
private par.or two hours conference settled
the whole business, the details of which are not
important, but Mr.. Garrett got for his road bet
ter terms than even he had hoped for. the
magnates dined together and the visitors
soon whisking homeward on train that made
the run TO Philadelphia in less than two hours.
The conference of held with
closed doors. and reporters were denied infor-
nation of any kind Even the presence of the
Vandernilts and Col. Scott. none of whose names
h. -
clerk. About twilight a reporter rang the bell
of Mr.. CARROTS residence. couple of blocks
away from the Mount Vernon Hotel THE family
have since removed TO the conner of Cathedral
street, and sent in q card. The visitor was
ushered into the paror and invited to step TO
the rear, where in an ante-room or library, sit
He rose and said: '.Well, young man, tell me
ali you know"
IT really know nothing" said the reporter
hesitatinglv. beyond the fact that the confer
ence was held, and expect you to tell me what
was done"
Mr. Garrett smiled. He had dined we'll. and
was in good humor. 'Do you know how
much money was represented at that conferenceW
he asked as his eyes twinkled merrily.
mo. do not, but could guess" replied the
reporter.
Garrett, land SO I'll tell YOU. There more
than one hundred millions of dollars in that
ROOM" and he Indicated the direction of the
hotel with his thumb. ''And," he added mus
ingly, 'they came to 1 didn't go
Them" and he chuckled softly to himself as he
watched the bright flames crackle in the burn
ished crate.
But. Mr.. Garrett said the reporter, .I am
waiting for the news for publication"
'Oh! I declare / forgot all about YOU" ex-
claimed the happy president. kYes al. right.
Go to Camden Station and Mr.. King tthe vice
president and pow president of the Erie road)
will tell you all about It. Everythings all
right" he added. 'cood evening"
Bob Garrett has probably forgotten this
little deal of many years ago, but it was an
actual occurrence and the reporter who had the
talk with Mr. Garrett is still in the flesh.